Networking is like dating
Networking is like dating. Have you ever been to a networking event and met the perfect person who you thought would be an amazing referral partner?
The two of you met, you hit it off, had tons in common, exchanged business cards and even had your first one-to-one which felt like it went swimmingly, but then you never heard from the person again, nor ever received a referral from them. What went wrong?
Here is what could have went wrong:
1) Maybe you did something that was off-putting in your one-to-one meeting - maybe you talked too much about yourself and didn't ask them questions about them and their business. Maybe you added them to your email newsletter list without their permission. Or, perhaps you made a bad impression at the one-to-one meeting by being late or being to casual.
2) Maybe you didn't plan for any follow up actions after the one-to-one. Or, if you did, you forgot to follow through on what you promised to do as your follow up action.
3) Chances are that you are both very busy, and if you didn't keep in touch or top of mind with the other person, they forgot about you, or even thought you blew them off.
After a successful networking encounter always have a plan to stay in touch with value-added communications - be it a hand written thank you card for meeting, an email or phone call. There are many ways to build and foster these referral relationships. To learn more about mastering referral marketing, check out our virtual classes.
What does SHE stand for?
SHE is more than a leads group - SHE Leads Group exists to support women in business development roles. SHE Members are women in business who appreciate the role many women have being a full-time caregiver to loved ones and advancing their full-time career or business. The letters “S H E” stand for Supporting Heart & Enterprise ®. Heart is our families, or anything near and dear and personal to us. Enterprise is our business or career. Members are expected to uphold the values and culture for which SHE stands. Every member of SHE Leads Group should desire to be a resource to each other. SHE Leads Group is more than just a leads group. We are a group of supportive women who truly want to help others in any way possible.
About the author
Beth Boen, SHE Leads Group Founder
Beth Boen has more than 35 years of experience in sales, marketing and customer service. She is an award-winning marketer. She is also a professional trainer and customer experience consultant. Beth loves helping people build long-term, loyal relationships that produce quality connections in their business that lead to lifetime customers and endless referrals. Beth helps people do this through her thoughtful blogs and training curriculum. Members of SHE Leads Group have access to more in-depth business development training through presentations at meetings from Beth, her curriculum, and guest trainers. Learn more about Beth.